Ski protective device

ABSTRACT

An anchoring loop for attachment to an article to be secured such as skis in the form of a strip of metal having its ends bent toward each other to form a base in a common plane, the remainder of the strip looping above the base for threading of a locking device. The loop is narrowed centrally to reduce impaction of snow and ice and to facilitate mechanical attachment which is to be supplemented by adhesive attachment.

Unite States Patent 11 1 1111 3,727,934

Averbook et a1. Apr. 17, 11973 SKI PROTECTIVE DEVICE 1,751,125 3/1930 Bersted ..38/90 [76] Inventors: Charles Averbook, 809 Hi 3,295,860 l/l967 Von Hoven ..28()/ll.37E

Street, Suite 2, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48104; Robert J. Schmier, 1843 Lake Lila, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48105 Filed: May 17, 1971 Appl. No.: 144,007

US. Cl ..280/l1.37 K, 16/125, 38/90, 70/58 Int. Cl ..A63c ll/02 Field of Search ..280/l1.37 E, 11.37 A, 280/1137 K, 11.37 C, 11.37 .1, 11.13 T;

70/58, 59,211/60 SK, 60 R, 4; 16/125;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 9/1964 Heuvel ..280/11.37 E

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 234,013 6/1964 Austria ..280/l 1.37 K

Primary ExaminerLeo Friaglia Assistant ExaminerMilton L. Smith AttorneyBarnes, Kisselle, Raisch & Choate 5 7 ABSTRACT An anchoring loop for attachment to an article to be secured such as skis in the form of a strip of metal having its ends bent toward each other to form a base in a common plane, the remainder of the strip looping above the base for threading of a locking device. The loop is narrowed centrally to reduce impaction of snow and ice and to facilitate mechanical attachment which is to be supplemented by adhesive attachment.

1 Claim, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTED APR 1 7 I973 m K mm Ew mM V NV 0 M z 4 00 I48 2 2 1 JJ m q E C n BY m ww ATTORNEYS SKI PROTECTIVE DEVECE This invention relates to a Ski Protective Device.

One of the problems in the sport of skiing at the present time is that of theft of skis which are left outside a ski lodge while the owner is relaxing inside. While it is possible to check the skis, this generally involves a fee and a certain amount of inconvenience.

On the other hand, skis which are left outside unattended are very often taken by unauthorized persons and recovery is difficult if not impossible. Accordingly, any device which can deter the would-be thief is desirable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an attachment for skis which will not interfere with their use or with the balance of the ski and yet which make it possible for a skier to utilize a chain or cable lock device for securing the skis. The ordinary cable combination lock which is simply passed around the skis can be utilized if the ski bindings have openings through which the device may be passed. However, many new types of bindings provide no such openings, and it is difficult to obtain security with a chain or cable lock.

The present invention briefly comprises a loop device which is attached to each ski which has an unusual design, permitting secure attachment while reducing the possibility of snow and ice accumulation.

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide an inexpensive security device which can be attached to the skis and which can be utilized for security purposes.

Other objects and features of the invention will be set forth in the following description and claims in which the details of the device together with its unique features are set forth in connection with the best mode presently contemplated for the idea.

Drawings accompany the disclosure and the various views thereof may be briefly described as:

FIG. 1, a view illustrating the manner in which the device would be utilized.

FIG. 2, a top view of the anchor loop.

FIG. 3, a perspective view of the loop.

FIG. 4, a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

Referring to the Drawings:

In FIG. 1, the skis are shown supported in upright position against a cross bar 12 which may be the top bar of a U-shaped stanchion. Each ski has fastened to it a loop device 14 shown in detail in FIG. 2. This loop device is formed of a one-piece sheet of metal, the ends of which have been cut on a bias as at 16 so that when they are bent around and brought together, they mate in complemental fashion to form a base made of portions 18 and 20.

A hole 22 is provided in each base portion and the two base portions are connected by the integral overrun formed of two trapezoidal portions 24 which start at the base and meet at an apex 26. It will be noted that at the apex, the portions 24 are much narrower than they are at the base so that the open loop which is formed is narrower at the top than at the bottom.

It is desirable that the loop be fashioned from a metal which is non-corrosive or perhaps from a steel which can be provided with a plastic or other rustproof coating 28 as shown in FIG. 4. This plastic coating,

preferablyl formed from fluidizedbed epoxy has a tight 0nd to e metal. As an alternative to utilizing screws 30 through the holes 22 to hold the loop to a ski, as shown in FIG. 4, it is possible that a very strong adhesive be utilized to attach the loop bases to the ski surface. This can be accomplished with a high strength adhesive compatible with the plastic coating and the ski surface or with a doublesided adhesive tape of the type manufactured by Minnesota Mining & Mfg. Co. and known as Scotch-Mount (Trademark).

Thus, the entire surface of the base can be securely fastened by screws or by adhesive, or, if desired, by both, making it difficult to remove the loop. The loop may also be painted or plated; but in some instances, the use of the plastic coating may enhance the adherence of the adhesive.

It will be noted that the trapezoidal configuration of the top portion of the loop not only reduces the possibility of the entrapment of snow and ice in use, but also permits access to the holes 22 in the base so that a screw driver can be used for installation. This construction also permits easy threading of the cable or chain 32 shown in FIG. ll through the loops and around the retaining bar 12. A combination cable lock or attached lock 34 can be used to secure the device.

Thus, the device presents a practical deterrent to theft while not detracting from the appearance or utility of the skis. Any attempt at removal of the described loops from the ski while secured will not only take time but attract the attention of passersby, thus adding to the protective quality of the device.

We claim:

11. In combination with a ski, a locking loop adhered to the top surface thereof comprising a single strip of metal having end portions shaped at one edge at an angle so that said edges complement each other as the end portions are bent around and toward each other to form a composite base in a common plane, the remainder of said strip between said end portions forming an overlying loop portion above said composite base, the loop portion being narrowed at its central portion between the junctures with the base portion, and the base portion being perforated in either side of the narrowed portion to accommodate holding screws. 

1. In combination with a ski, a locking loop adhered to the top surface thereof comprising a single strip of metal having end portions shaped at one edge at an angle so that said edges complement each other as the end portions are bent around and toward each other to form a composite base in a common plane, the remainder of said strip between said end portions forming an overlying loop portion above said composite base, the loop portion being narrowed at its central portion between the junctures with the base portion, and the base portion being perforated in either side of the narrowed portion to accommodate holding screws. 